Stornoway

Locally Invested. Globally Recognised.

Welcome to Stornoway, the gateway to the Outer Hebrides!

The Outer Hebrides, with their rugged beauty and ancient heritage, offer an unforgettable experience. Wander through the islands’ fascinating past, where Celtic traditions, the Gaelic language, and stories of old intertwine with the lives of the people today. You’ll be captivated by the prehistoric Callanish Standing Stones, —famously featured in Outlander and Brave—to the legendary Lews Chessmen. These iconic 12th-century figures, discovered on the Isle of Lewis, are a highlight of any visit and can be admired in the Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway.

You also get the chance to step back in time and explore the distinctive blackhouses, traditional stone dwellings once common across the islands. Preserved in places like the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, these buildings offer a glimpse into the lives of islanders from centuries past.

The Outer Hebrides is home to the world-famous Harris Tweed, woven by hand in the traditional style, and sold around the world. You can learn about the centuries-old craft that still thrives today, and perhaps even pick up a timeless piece of this legendary fabric as a souvenir.

These are just some of the reasons the Outer Hebrides was named as one of National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World’ destinations for 2025, the only UK destination to make the list.

At Stornoway Port, we are proud of being a trusted destination for cruise vessels visiting the Outer Hebrides, and we’re excited to extend that Hebridean welcome even further with our new Deep Water Terminal, which opened in 2024. This new berth, capable of accommodating cruise ships up to 360 meters in length, enhances our ability to offer a memorable visit for vessels of all sizes.

Top Five Facts!

1. Gaelic is the first language of the Outer Hebrides, it is one of the oldest languages in Europe and 1,000 years older than English. Abair e!
2. The world’s most luxurious wool fabric – Harris Tweed, is exclusively handover in the Outer Hebrides and is protected by its own Act of Parliament and statutory body, Harris Teed Authority. Genuine Harris Tweed from the Outer Hebrides is identified by the historic Orb mark.
3. The Lews Chessmen, displayed in Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway, are one of the best loved archaeological treasures in Britain, even making an appearance in the Harry Potter films!
4. One of the most iconic sites on the Isle of Lewis is the Callanish Standing Stones (or Calanais) a prehistoric stone circle dating back over 5,000 years. These ancient stones, arranged in a cross-like formation, are older than Stonehenge. The site is one of the most important and well-preserved megalithic monuments in Europe. Disney’s ‘Brave’ and the TV series ‘Outlander’ are based on the Callanish Stones.
5. The Outer Hebrides are renowned for their dramatic landscapes, including rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and moorlands. The islands are a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to spot seals, otters, red deer, and a variety of birds, including puffins and golden eagles. The islands’ remote location also makes them an ideal place for stargazing, as they are part of the Dark Sky initiative, offering some of the clearest night skies in the UK.